By Nichole Thompson, Guest Writer
Have you ever dreamed an impossible dream? That is the question central to “Man of La Mancha,” which the Tacoma Musical Playhouse (TMP) just finished performing Sunday.
This play within a play is about a man named Miguel de Cervantes who is awaiting trial by the Inquisition for foreclosing on a church. Cervantes is a failing playwright, tax collector and poet.
His fellow inmates have him put on trial because they want to claim his belongings as their own. As part of his defense, Cervantes acts out a manuscript that he is writing.
He dreams he is Don Quixote, a knight on a quest, when in reality he is a dying man who can’t afford to take care of his family.
His quest brings him to an inn, or as he calls it a “castle,” where he encounters a troublesome group of men and the woman of his dreams.
He is brought out of this fantasy when The Knight of Mirrors, a doctor sent by his family, defeats him in a battle and breaks his spirit.
The TMP has both seasoned cast members and actors who have just begun performing — the wide range of expertise is full of talent new and old.
Located in the historical Narrows Theatre, Jon Rake founded the TMP in 1994. It is the region’s premier musical theater company.
The TMP produces six main stage shows per year.“Annie,” “Les Miserables” and “Shout!” have all been part of this year’s repertoire. The next main stage performance will be “La Cage aux Folles.”
Sue Snyder, the director of marketing at the TMP said, “’La Cage’ is a musical that embraces acceptance, love, family and friendship, and although the show deals with adult issues surrounding sexuality and societal acceptance, the show is performed with great taste, charm and humor.”
Tickets for “La Cage aux Folles,” which premieres May 16, are $29 for adults and $27 for students, military and seniors.
